A bold prediction from a pair of NFL analysts reflect what the Las Vegas Raiders’ priorities were during the offseason
A bold prediction from a pair of NFL analysts reflect what the Las Vegas Raiders’ priorities were during the offseason originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
The early part of July is for speculation, hot takes, and debates as we await NFL training camps to open later this month.
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A to Z Sports’ own Destin Adams and Kyle Crabbs have been analyzing each division, making bold predictions for teams and players. On Thursday they turned their attention to the AFC West, and took aim at the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense, specifically its secondary.
The Raiders defense finishes last in points allowed in 2025
From Kyle Crabbs: “I’m sorry. I just can’t find the excitement I need with this back-seven in the AFC West. Maxx Crosby has more riding on his plate in 2025 than any defender in football, with maybe Trey Hendrickson being the only other player in his stratosphere. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has been in and out of a walking boot this offseason after missing more than three-quarters of the snaps last year. Malcolm Koonce is also coming back from a major injury. They’ve completely remade the linebacker room with summer cut Germaine Pratt and two downhill hammers in Devin White and Elandon Roberts. Eric Stokes and Darien Porter join Jakorian Bennett at cornerback, and the Raiders signed Jeremy Chinn at safety, who only showed signs of living up to his potential after joining Dan Quinn in 2024.Outgoing talent on defense? TreVon Moehrig is gone. So, too, are Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs at cornerback. Robert Spillane is off to New England, and Devine Deablo left for Atlanta. The Raiders’ defense wasn’t good last year, but are they even as talented this year as they were last? I’m not sure that they are. And that’s before you even factor in the AFC West, with two top-12 scoring offenses from 2024…plus the Chiefs.”
Destin unfortunately concurred with Kyle’s prediction:
From Destin Adams: “Usually, I’m someone who, when my options are between one team/player and the field, I’ll take the field. However, the Raiders’ defense, outside of Maxx Crosby, lacks game-changing talent. Their next best player is Christian Wilkins, who was only able to suit up for five games last season. The biggest concern on their roster is their secondary, which has glaring holes all over the place. And in a division where you have to face QBs Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix, your secondary needs to come ready, or a game can get away from you fast. Unfourtley, for the Raiders, they may have the worst CB room on paper in the NFL entering 2025, with Eric Stokes and Darien Porten expected to start on the outside, with Darnay Holmes in the slot.”
There’s no doubt that the Raiders are banking on the front seven to set the tone and carry their defense in 2025. They will also be leaning heavily on veteran defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to coach up the players in the secondary. Although there will likely be growing pains, change was necessary. Unfortunately, not everything can improve in a single year.
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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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